Backwater

Technical Profile

What color is Backwater? It's a light cool neutral with the hex code #7F98A8. Colors similar to Backwater include Vista Paint Breath-Taking View, Hirshfield's Breath-taking View, Dunn-Edwards Silver Storm. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Backwater has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Understanding a color's undertone is key to avoiding combinations that clash — it often matters more than the surface color itself. Backwater (#7F98A8) by Kilz is a light neutral paint color with a gentle, subdued character. It delivers a bright, welcoming quality that keeps interiors feeling fresh. On the temperature spectrum this shade carries a cool cast, lending calm and collected elegance. In its RGB breakdown, blue is the dominant channel, which gives it a subtle cool, atmospheric depth even under different lighting conditions. Its Light Reflectance Value of 58 means it reflects a healthy amount of light, keeping spaces bright without feeling stark. Light neutrals like this are go-to choices for whole-home color schemes, working seamlessly in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and hallways without competing with decor. Eggshell or satin finishes complement light tones nicely, balancing a subtle sheen with durability for high-traffic areas. For color coordination, Backwater pairs beautifully with orange tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring blue and teal hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its cool (blue) undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If Kilz is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Vista Paint, Hirshfield's, Dunn-Edwards and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Backwater offers a breezy, coastal serenity that keeps spaces feeling clean and refreshed. Designers often reach for shades like this when the goal is to shape how a room feels, not just how it looks. This shade is a natural fit for a wide range of interior design styles. As part of the Kilz palette, Backwater benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. As with any paint color, Backwater can shift noticeably between natural daylight, warm incandescent, and cool LED lighting — testing a sample swatch on your wall under different conditions is always recommended. This tone works well alongside natural textures like jute rugs, bleached wood, ceramic tile, and woven baskets, building an inviting, tactile space. You can order Backwater (RD130-01) directly from Kilz or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.